Page 59 of Unbalanced

Her eyes fill with tears, and I quickly pull her into a hug. She holds me tight. I get not being able to be with the person you love. But Sam deserves better, so much better.

Releasing her from the vice grip of my arms, Sam pulls out her cell.

“I’ll call him and see if he has the flowers. Once we have them…I’ll cut off all contact.”

“Don’t do it for me,” I say, and her sad eyes find mine.

“I’m not. It’s time that I break all contact off for good. You’re right we can’t just be considered friends now and I want someone who respects me and wants only me.”

Sam leaves and walks into the back of the store. I don’t follow. Instead, my eyes find the credit card left by Alden.

I’ve seen him do things like this before. A flashy gift or fancy meal here or there. Each one tore at my heart a little until I realized he never gave any of them a piece of himself. He’s testing me now, and I won’t let him win. Not yet.

Opening my desk drawer, I drop the card inside and slam it shut.

I will not be so easily bought, Alden. You broke a rule last night, and as impressive as that is…I need more. I need you to break and beg me to be with you. You need to crave me as I’ve craved you for twelve long years.

The beads rattle, and I turn to look at Sam. She is still holding the phone to her ear.

“Mario says he can have the rest of what we need here by six.” Sam rolls her eyes. “But he wants a ten percent bonus for supplying them on a rush.”

Of course he does.

“Fine, we’ll pay it.”

At least that problem is solved. Now I just need to find a large delivery van before Friday.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

ALDEN

It’s been a long week, and it feels even longer staying away from Emily. I won another case, chose my next target, and even started stalking him. But the entire time, a part of me has been distracted by thoughts of the woman currently ignoring me.

Pulling over to the curb, I get out and walk into the café where Emily and I had our first real conversation. Just looking at the spot where we stood stirs a warmth inside of me. The barista is the same as always, and when she sees me, she gives me a shy smile. She’s been trying to get my attention since she started working here a year ago. I bet she would take my damn credit card without me forcing it on her.

But…as I’m finding out, that’s part of Emily’s allure.

“Same order as always, Mr. Mitchell,” she asks as I step up to the till.

“Yes, but do you happen to know what Emily…”

I pause, realizing that I don’t know Emily’s last name. I’m losing my touch. This woman has my brain scrambled. I point toward the flower shop a few stores down.

“From Studio Bloom, gets?”

“When it’s all the girls or just her?”

“All of them.”

“Yes, they always get the same thing.”

“Great, I’ll take whatever they get and mine.”

“Coming right up.”

I step aside to let another person order. I’m lost in thought when the barista finally calls my name.

“Thank you,” I say, taking the tray and ignoring the flirtatious touch of her hand.